‘Consistency, Passion, Dedication and Diligence Make a Successful Law Career’
My name is Solomon Ugochukwu Ezike. I am a Legal Practitioner with G. Elias & Co., one of the foremost and leading business law firms in Nigeria. I am a graduate of the University of Calabar and the Nigerian Law School.
I am a member of the Lagos Court of Arbitration; International Trademarks Association; Intellectual Property Lawyers Association of Nigeria; Young International Arbitration Group of the London Court of International Arbitration; and Oil, Gas and Energy Law Forum. I was a member of the Panel of Inquiry set up by the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State in September 2017, to probe allegations of corruption and unethical conducts, levelled against some police officers in Lagos State.
I was also recognised in the International Intellectual Property Magazine (2017) of Informa Law Plc (a London based rating organisation), as a leading Intellectual Property lawyer.
My areas of practice and interest, include dispute resolution, arbitration, intellectual property, corporate, commercial, energy, natural resources and environmental law. I have published articles in leading international journals, on some of these areas of law. I have also advised extensively and litigated on these aspects of law. In the course of my career, I have advised and acted on some of the most complex, local and international transactions. Occasionally, I take up pro bono criminal matters.
I am also a regular guest on ‘The Court House,’ a weekly programme on Loveworld Plus Television, where I address several legal issues. I am a devout and passionate Christian, and I am happily married.
Have you had any challenges in your career as a Lawyer and if so, what were the main challenges?
Every profession comes with its own unique challenges. One of the challenges, is in the interpretations of the law, and its application to various individuals and different situations. You see, the law is more logical than emotional, and one has to be precise and definite in applying the law to provide the solution each scenario demands. Another challenge I’ve had is with the slow process of our judiciary.
What was your worst day as a Lawyer?
My worst day as a Lawyer, would be the day the Court abruptly entered judgement against my client, because my client did not file his defence on time. It was quite frustrating, and happened so speedily. The Court overlooked the fact that, my client had an application to regularise the filing of the defence that was filed out of time. The Court maintained that since there was no evidence of payment of default fees for filing the defence out of time, the application to regularise the defence was incompetent, and struck it out. Before I could explain further, the Court shut me out and entered judgement against my client.
What was your most memorable experience as a Lawyer?
That would be the day that the Supreme Court allowed my appeal, against the concurrent judgements of the High Court and the Court of Appeal. That judgement led to the discharge and acquittal of the accused, who had been convicted and sentenced to death. It felt really good to be a part of the process, that gave a man a second chance at life, and gave him and his family hope.
Who has been the most influential in your life?
A number of people have been very influential, in the course of my life and career. One of them is my mother, Mrs. Florence Ezike. I have never seen a woman of faith, prayer and integrity, like her. Through her hard work, love and sacrifice, I was able to realise my ambition of becoming a lawyer. My dear, lovely wife, has also been a great pillar of support and motivation. Another figure that has impacted me in no small measure, is Rev. Dr. Chris Oyakhilome. The Word of God that he teaches, has greatly enriched my life. My professional career has been greatly influenced and shaped by the Principal Partner of G. Elias & Co., Prof. Gbolahan Elias, SAN, and Mr. Fred Onuobia, the Managing Partner of G. Elias & Co., who have taught me a whole lot about the intrigues of this beautiful profession.
Why did you become a Lawyer?
I became a lawyer to fulfil a childhood dream and passion to help people achieve their goals and solve their problems, by providing legal solutions to their issues. I believed that studying law would give me the pedestal to realise this ambition.
What would your advice be to anyone wanting a career in Law?
First, you need to have a clear vision on why you want to pursue a career in law. If the aim is for “quick” riches, you might want to consider some other careers. Do not have the “over-night” success mentality as a Lawyer. You need amongst others, consistency, passion, dedication and diligence to have a successful career in law.
Further, there are many aspects of law, and you will need to decide where you want to focus your abilities. Knowing why you want to study law, should help you decide which area to focus your passion and energy. As cliché as it sounds, knowing who you are and being able to properly apply your skills, talents and abilities, is key to having a successful career as a lawyer.
Another advice is to never stop learning. Keep updating your knowledge base. Subscribe to various journals, and read up on various aspects of the law practice. The law can be interpreted in various ways, and you want to know how best to interprete it and take advantage of it for your client.
If you had not become a Lawyer , what career would you have chosen?
I can’t think of anything else I’d have wanted to be. Right from my childhood, I had always wanted to become a lawyer. Maybe I would have been an entrepreneur, a businessman or a priest. But law has always been my first passion.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
My ambition is to get to the peak of my career in the legal profession, and also be an authority on an aspect of law that has always been of utmost importance to me.